Saturday, November 16, 2013

If you have maintained even a partial eye on the news lately, then you haven't missed the typhoon that destroyed some parts of the Philippines. The people there have been left with little food and clean water and are stuck waiting for outside resources to come to them. It is a terrible situation over there because it is taking too long for help to arrive.

A little preparedness goes a long way during disaster situations. A weeks supply of food, water and shelter can mean life or death while you are waiting for government resources to save the day. This is no knock on the victims of the typhoon because this storm was strong enough to destroy any supplies these people may have had. But this is a factor you don't have much control over. I would rather know my supplies were destroyed by a super storm than know I didn't have supplies because of my laziness.

These storms continue to grow in intensity and it should be a growing warning in your mind. Governments and citizens must take these threats seriously and begin effective preparedness plans for the next super storm. It could only be a matter of time before mother nature comes knocking on your door.

Friday, September 27, 2013

First of all, the only reason we have seen a consistent growth in the stock market is because of the feds $85 billion monthly purchase of bad bonds. Where are they getting $85 billion? They're just printing it. When a government prints and prints and prints, inflation is bound to show it's ugly head. Unfortunately for you and I, we don't own the proverbial money tree like our government. Every country around the world is facing dire economic conditions because our economies are now interconnected. Keep an eye on world news and maybe you will see the collapse unfolding before others.

Secondly, what happens when they stop spending $85 billion per month? I mean, they can't continue doing this much longer, can they? When the purchases cease, we may see the largest drop in the financial markets because the big investors will try to save every penny they've made. Everyone who has money is investing while markets are great, but you better believe they are pulling out just prior to the big announcement.

Sure, everything looks to be improving, but don't let our government trick you. The person who continues to prep, even in fair weather, is the one who survives. No one knows when the next economic collapse is coming and you better believe the day before it happens will be no different than today.

Keep on Prepping!

Image from http://www.franklincountyvapatriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/gov1.jpg

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Take advantage of the smart phone technology and have survival information at your fingertips in a disaster situation. While there are some disaster which will render your phone useless, it still doesn't hurt to have some of these apps as an extra step in preparedness.

U.S. Military Survival Manual FM 21-76

This manual is full of survival tips which will undoubtedly come into handy during any disaster. The best part is the app is free and will work without a signal. A must-have!

ubAlert - Disaster Alert

This is a global social network where users can share knowledge of disasters throughout the world. This app is free but also requires a signal to function. Could be a great warning system of a coming disaster.

First Aid - American Red Cross

The Red Cross app puts expert advice for everyday emergencies in your hand. This app includes videos, quizzes, and step-by-step advice. This app is also free and appears to function without a signal.

Police Scanner 5-0

Monitor existing police, fire, and rescue frequencies and stay abreast of activities in your area or around the world. This app requires a connection to function.

Google Maps

It sounds silly, but what happens if a disaster happens in an unfamiliar area. Remember, we have no idea when disaster will strike so we have to always be prepared. The map is available without a signal but you will be unable to use the locate features.

BONUS TIP

Don't forget to have some entertaining apps as well because they can help time pass and keep morals up. Games, books, and even coloring apps can be extremely helpful during hard-times.

Monday, September 2, 2013

The United States government has been debating for the past week whether they should attack key military outposts in Syria after the supposed chemical weapon's attack on Syrian citizens. Many countries are looking to the U.S. to do something while other, much larger countries are suggesting we stand down. The threat of this war is much more serious than the media may be letting on and I suggest we listen to the muted warnings and take a look at 3 credible threats and why you should prepare your family.

Hackers

Shortly after the U.S. began contemplating an attack on Syrian soil, The New York Times website went down from a cyber attack. The Syrian Electronic Army claimed responsibility for this attack and promised more if we proceeded with our plans to bomb. A cyber attack on our grid can have detrimental effects on our society and cause chaos within hours as the crazies take advantage of the opportunities to pillage. There are numerous reports claiming our grid is highly susceptible to an outside cyber attack.

Terrorist Attacks

The risk of a large scale terrorist attack is very real if we proceed with attacks. Iranian sleeper cells on our soil could be activated and we have no idea what to prepare for. They could launch a chemical attack, nuclear attack with stolen Russian supplies, attack our nuclear power plants, suicide bomb public locations. The threats are endless. If this country is attacked during war time, it may mean the president will place the country under martial law.

Risk of World War

The threat right now is small, but real. Russia and China have used strong words advising the U.S. to stand down and it is reported Putin has already approved a military strike on Saudi Arabia (our ally) should we strike Syria. Iran has also approved a strike on Israel (another ally) should the U.S. strike Syria. It doesn't take a fortune teller to assume North Korea won't be too far behind if the opportunity presents itself. If you recall in history class, Japan attacked us in World War II while we were busy in Europe. A war of this magnitude would weaken our defenses at home opening the doors to would-be attackers. Thankfully, America has more armed citizens than any other country in the World and we will defend our soil.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

FEMA is rolling out new ads in September for National Preparedness month. Don't get me wrong, I am happy the government is making disaster preparation a serious family topic with these new ads, but why are they doing it? Do they know something we don't? Let's face it, we are overdue for something big.

According to the article, only 19% of Americans feel they are very prepared for a disaster. That number is scary if you ask me because that means 81% of America is not prepared. That means well over 250 million Americans will be panicking and killing each other if we have an extended national emergency. The ability to stay home while everyone else fights over supplies is just another benefit of being prepared.

I hope these ads will motivate more families to take their future into their own hands and forget relying on others for help.

Monday, August 26, 2013

There is a lot of planning that goes into prepping your family for disaster. Unfortunately, I find that many families leave their pets out of the picture when storing supplies. Either they have forgotten about them or they believe they can just let them outside and they will survive on their own. The latter may be true for some pets but like us Americans, our pets have grown dependent on handouts and won't survive long without help.

Prepping with pets is typically much easier than you think. Because most pets eat the same brand of food everyday, you only have to worry about buying a few extra bags or cans of food and your pet suddenly has a stockpile of emergency food. I recommend you store the same amount of food you stored for yourself. So if you have 1 month of emergency food, so should your pets.

Next, your pet needs water. Typical house pets do not require as much water as us humans so again this isn't a difficult task. If you believe you have enough water stored for your family, store a little extra for your pets. You don't have to store a lot because as an added bonus, your pets can drink from the puddles outside if clean water becomes a shortage.

Finally, if your pet uses medication you may want to make an attempt at acquiring extra. Some vets will understand your reasoning and appreciate you thinking about your pets safety. Other vets may deny you but at least you tried. Depending on the medicine, your pet may still survive long enough until help arrives.

As you can see, preparing your pets for disaster is one the easiest steps to prepping but it is often overlooked. Do your pets a favor and make some room in the survival plans for them.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Prepping can be an expensive activity when you think about all of the food, water, and guns people recommend. Thankfully for Amazon, there are many useful items which can extend your survival at an affordable price. Purchasing through these links doesn't cost you anymore money and it gives me a small financial stimulus.

3. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter At $19.95, this water filter will clean up to 1000L of water giving you close to a year's supply of clean drinking water. No question there should be one of these in everyone's survival kit.

4. Potable Aqua Water Treatment Tablets At $5.99, this is your back-up to clean water if the LifeStraw fails. The downfall is one bottle will only treat about 4 gallons of water. You might want to pick up a couple.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Newt has gone on record again, reminding Americans an EMP would destroy America's grid and most of our lives. Unfortunately, the government and private electrical companies have yet to make a move to protect us.

The threat of any rogue nation launching a nuke above our heads and wiping out life as we know is becoming more of a reality as Iran and North Korea get closer to the launching technology. North Korea may already be there after successfully launching a satellite into space a few months ago.

Hacking is another threat we must be concerned with. Hackers have gained access to our electrical systems in the past and they will continue to find these weaknesses and threaten our grid. Without power for an extended period of time, most Americans will die. Our enemies are quickly learning how dependent we are on the grid and how easy it would be to take away our life line.

I hope you aren't one of the millions of Americans who will turn a blind eye to this threat. As we become more dependent on technology, we also become more vulnerable.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Many people decide to become a prepper because they have a doubt about the future of our current economy. Gold and silver is seen as a hedge and protection against a failing dollar, but also as a necessity in the survivalist world according to famous preppers. I don't agree with them and here are my 3 reasons gold and silver does not belong in your prepping plans.

1. Cost is too high

As of this writing, gold is selling for over $1300/ounce. $1300 can buy a whole years supply of food for one adult, a tactical rifle, 1000s of rounds of ammo, or even a down payment on retreat land. The list goes on and on. What is an ounce of gold really going to do for your family?

2. Precious metals will not be used for currency

Despite everything you have read, precious metals will not be used for currency exchange if the economy collapses. Survivors will turn to bartering goods and services and will have little interest in gold or silver. Why will they turn to bartering? Because a very small percentage will be prepared and the others will be scrambling for supplies. It will take months or even years before metals have their place in a bartering system, because people will be too concerned with the essentials.That brings into the final point.

3. Limited identification methods

How many people do you know who can properly identify a coin which is 90% silver? How many people can identify real gold versus fake gold? The fact that I can still find circulated silver coins is a bad sign, folks. Most of the general public has no idea there is value and they don't really care. Do you think that mindset will change when their cold and hungry?

If you already have a small stack of gold and silver sitting in a lockbox, I highly recommend you sell it and use that profit for prepping supplies. Supplies will do more to guarantee your survival than a few silver coins and gold jewelry.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Setting out to purchase guns for your survival plan can be daunting. The list seems to be exponential and constantly growing, but I am here to give you some basic quick guidance. Before we look at my list, please understand guns have their place in a survivalist's plan, but I recommend you focus your initial purchases on clean water, shelter, and food. The list below is based on price, usability and necessity. This means guns with a higher possibility of use and lower price tag rank higher on my list.

1. 22 Gauge Rifle

A rifle like the Ruger 10/22 can be had for under $200 and ammo comes extremely cheap. The gun is versatile in that it can be used for self defense and hunting small game. Don't let anyone fool you, you can also snag yourself large game like deer and use it for self defense.

2. Handgun

The caliber of handgun you choose is your preference.
The .40 and .45 tend to be popular choices but don't rule out a 9mm. I only rank a handgun above a shotgun if you live in a State with Concealed Carry laws. Shotguns are great, but you can't wander very far around town with one in your pants. If you can get a CCW permit in your State, get it.

3. 12 Gauge Shotgun

Purchasing a shotgun accomplishes home security and hunting in one purchase. Ammo again is fairly affordable and the sound of a shotgun is a universal "you better get out of here" sound. Buy different shots (bird, small game, buck, slug) when storing ammo so you have multiple uses for this weapon.

4. High-powered Hunting Rifle

.270, 30-06, .338, etc. The beauty of hunting rifles for larger game is they can also be used for self defense WTSHTF. I have these ranked next to last because I am assuming you aren't an avid hunter and this gun will see very little use. Otherwise, you wouldn't be reading this post. However, if you plan on hunting then move it on up the priority list and get out there. Don't forget to send me some jerky.

5. Tactical Rifle

This list can include an AR-Variant, AK-Variant, SKS, etc. I list tactical rifles last because I believe they are more for show and fun. Yes, I would prefer to have one if SHTF, but the cost (>$1000) is a little too high when you factor other necessary gear you could buy with this money. Tactical rifles have tons of optional gear (sights, optics, lasers, lights) which can run you another $500+, and this is before you even began buying ammo. Unless you're one of the few swimming in money, I suggest you hold off on this purchase until your other survival supplies are overflowing. - By the way, I guarantee I am the only author suggesting this.

This list is only a recommendation based on price and necessity. Everyone has a differing opinion when it comes to guns and I look forward to hearing yours in the comments below. In the end, don't let anyone tell you what gun to buy, it is your final decision.

Monday, August 5, 2013

A special thanks to one of my readers for sending me a dehydrator. I
have already put it to good use and made almost two pounds of jerky! Jerky is a great way to store cooked meat because it can last up to a year in the fridge, depending on the fat content.

Sunday, August 4, 2013

1. You don't have enough clean water stored.

We all know water is extremely important to our survival, yet over 95% of Americans don't even have 3 days worth of water stored as recommended by FEMA. To those that have heeded the warnings of our government, what happens after 3 days? Do you have access to water by your shelter? Do you have a water filter? Do you have back-up containers to store rain or water you've filtered?

Solution - Start filling empty plastic containers with clean water, invest in a good water filter, and look into installing rain barrels around your property. If you have a well, having a back-up power source for pumping the water out is helpful.

2. You don't have enough food stored.

We store food for the time when fresh food is no longer available. I commend you if you have been to the store and bought extra canned
food, but is it enough? Canned food can take up a lot of room quickly
and can be difficult to rotate through when we have access to fresh
food. I have heard people state they will just turn to hunting if we face a food shortage. How long will the animal population survive if each of your neighbors turn to hunting? The goal when storing food is to have more than you believe you will ever need.

Solution - Decide how many months of food you would like to have on hand and add 25% for unknown circumstances. Chickens and rabbits are easy to raise on small lots and can supply additional sources of food. Growing your own garden is also a skill every prepper should be practicing.

3. Winter.

Cold weather sucks, especially when you don't have an escape from it. Preppers tend to focus on water, food, and guns and believe they are set. Clothing and shelter is a forgotten supply because it isn't as fun to buy and takes up storage room.

Solution - Each one of your family members needs gear which will keep their body temperature up during cold spells. This means wool clothes, heavy hunting jackets, sleeping bags for 0 degrees and under, and shelter options like tents and tarps. Many of these can be bought much cheaper during the off season as stores try to make room for next season's inventory.

4. You don't have others you can trust.

Safety in numbers, folks. It's amazing how a couple of burly men with rifles draped over their shoulders can make even the bravest attacker reconsider. It can also become more affordable when buying supplies if you divide up responsibilities.

Solution - There are many ways to find others concerned about the future state of our living situations. The art is finding who it is because preppers don't want others to know their plans. You also need to be able to trust the people.Prepper groups can be a good start. I recommend only inviting those who bring necessary skills; hunting, medical, cooking, engineer, soldier, blacksmith, leathersmith, etc.

5. You aren't as mentally prepared as you thought.

You can buy all of the canned food, water filters, and guns you can afford, but it is worthless if you aren't mentally strong enough to survive. Post-disaster is going to be the most stressful and dangerous time you have ever experienced. Paranoia will set in within a week and you will think everyone is out to get your supplies. Your sleep will be immediately effected unless you have a group you can trust with your protection.

Solution - Go out camping away from everyone else. Take only the supplies you plan on relying on and see how you do. I believe camping with minimal supplies is the closest we can come to experiencing a post-disaster America. Military veterans who have experienced war should be better at handling the stress of potential combat so it is a good idea to incorporate some into your group. Dogs are another form of protection you can't overlook.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Everywhere I look I see preppers and survivalists wearing camo. Camo is great when you're out hunting game or playing paintball in the woods with friends. But after a disaster, camo is the last thing you want to be wearing around others.

When the general public sees a person in camo, they immediately assume they're a hunter or soldier. The common denominator between these two types of people is both are armed. During a disaster situation you do not want to bring attention to yourself as being armed because you will quickly become a target of those who do not have a firearm.

Camo also tells others that you are most likely better prepared, both physically and mentally. Now you have to worry about others following you and looking for help. I am all for helping others but not at a risk to my own safety.

Don't get me wrong, camo has it's place in the survivalist's bug out bag, but when in an urban environment, jeans and a t-shirt will do more to conceal your preparedness than camo. Blending in shortly after a disaster is your best chance at early
survival because others will believe you are just as hungry and thirsty as them. Don't give them a reason to think otherwise. If you are the lucky few who live in a rural setting, then feel free to wear all the camo you want.

2. SHELTER: Have a back-up plan for shelter, especially if you experience harsh winters. Tent
, sleeping bags, Fire Starter
will all be necessary if your home becomes unlivable.

3. FOOD: Decide how much food your family will need until help arrives. How much you store depends on how long you believe help will take. Canned food is an excellent start because it lasts long, can be had for cheap at your local Walmart and won't be an exotic addition to your diet.

4. POWER: Buy batteries. In an emergency, power will most likely be the first to go. Make sure you have enough back-up power for flashlights and the devices your family members may rely on.

5. MEDICINE: People who survive with medicinal help will be the first to die during a prolonged crisis because shipments will cease. Talk to your Dr about acquiring extra supplies for storage and be honest why you want them. Your Dr may be more willing to write you a few extra prescriptions if you are honest.

6. PLAN: Have a plan for staying at home and a plan for leaving your home. Make sure all family members are aware of the plan and meeting areas. We will not know when disaster will strike so you can't rely on the family being together. Meeting areas and even a small survival bag are necessary for making sure your family can find each other.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Discovery channel has unleashed a great series about surviving off the grid. According to the show's website, using ancient skills and innate ingenuity, these men fend off nature’s
ceaseless onslaught, carving out the lives they’ve chosen from a harsh
and unforgiving landscape. If you are a person interested in self-reliance and surviving after WTSHTF, this show is a must-watch.

Each episode follows 3 or 4 men in different wilderness areas of the country and documents the difficulties of living alone, away from civilization. While the show is filled with danger, we also get to experience the beautiful landscape each man is surrounded by on a daily basis. While this view may not be an even trade for many Americans, I would be interested in taking on the challenge.

Do yourself a favor and tune in.

Image from http://doug-johnson.squarespace.com/blue-skunk-blog/2008/7/14/mountain-men-and-settlers.html

Friday, June 21, 2013

If you found your way to my blog, then this image should really hit home. Parks always post signs asking visitors not to feed the animals, because they do not want the animals to lose their ability to find food on their own. If the animals become reliant on a free food source and suddenly that source is gone, what happens to the animals?

Think about this next time you are wandering through your local grocer and imagine if the trucks stopped running and stores locked up tomorrow. Will you survive longer than 30 days without the government and commercial assistance you have come to rely on?

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The gardening season is upon us as we come closer to Memorial Day. So it seems like a great topic to touch on today.
Gardening is a requirement when joining the circle of self-reliant groups. Because gardening is such a simple and rewarding hobby, there really isn't any reason to not go out and start digging holes in your yard this week.
Creating a garden doesn't mean going to your local garden center and buying plants ready to put in the ground. Don't get me wrong, you are still creating a garden which will bear many fruits during the season, but are you truly learning any new skills that can be useful in the future? Creating a garden from seed and learning the secrets of each plant is what will feed your family for years to come. In a crisis situation, the garden stores let alone a financial system may be out of reach. Your plants need water, but what happens if you are no longer being supplied by your locality? Do you have room for a rain collection system? Remember, this is the time to create back-up plans for every necessity in life and apply them and adjust them to fit your needs.
I highly recommend purchasing seeds from a reputable supplier and purchasing non-hybrid/GMO plants. You want plants that will supply you with seeds year after year and GMO plants are considered a kill crop. Meaning next year's seed will not grow, thus increasing the profit of big company. Buy wisely and teach yourself how to be a great gardener!

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Below is a table showing important messages you can deliver to air personnel using code symbols. You would create these symbols as large as possible on the ground with something bright colored or reflective. These symbols would be useful shortly after a disaster if the coast guard or other military unit is looking for survivors from the air.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Part of becoming self-reliant is having the ability to grow your own food. Gardening is an enjoyable way to supply your family with healthy vegetables without spending money at the grocery store. I say having your own garden is healthier because you have the choice to not use genetically modified seeds or pesticides. Having a greenhouse enables you to begin your gardening venture from seeds earlier in the year.

Items you will need include an empty plastic container like a 2-liter bottle, duct tape, scissors, drill, dirt, and an optional planter cup. The optional cup makes it easier to transplant the plant into your garden.

The first step is to empty and clean the bottle. After the bottle is clean, drill at least 6 small holes into the bottom of your bottle. This helps the dirt breath and also allows the bottle to drain. Next, you will use the scissors to carefully cut the bottle in half. Leave a 1-inch section intact so that the bottle has a hinge. See below:

Now you can fill the bottle halfway with dirt. Do not fill above the line where you cut the bottle. If you use a planter cup, then you can add this to the bottle at this time as well. When the dirt and planter cup are level, moisten the dirt with a little bit of water.

The final step is to plant your seed in the moistened dirt. After planting the seed, you will close the bottle up and seal it shut with some duct tape. Be sure to water and watch your little seeds start sprouting.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

It appears the group Anonymous is calling on the American people to revolt and start a Civil War against our government. While most of us will agree, stuff needs to change, a civil war will solve nothing and will result in at least 90% of Americans dying within the first year.

Let's think about this for a second. Our water supplies, electrical grids, and food transports would be interrupted immediately if the American people began a war against the government. The government can live on without these amenities because they have back-ups of back-ups. All high government officials would be shielded from our attacks in their high-tech bunkers. All of the corporate sluts that have made billions from our stupidity will also be protected, so what would be accomplished?

Mass casualties would be the only accomplishment, because a war against the government would soon be a war against each other as food and water run low. Nothing would be accomplished with this decision and anyone that supports this idea is not a realist. The government would live on with increased power after an incident like this.

Anonymous has done many decent things to right the wrongs in this world, but I think this one is a little out there. There are better ways to accomplish change in the government without loss of American life. Back to the drawing boards.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

There are plenty of mistakes people can make as they navigate the less traveled path of prepping. First of all, we don't even know what disaster we are preparing for! Unless you are wealthy, it is impossible to be ready for anything nature or our fellow humans throw at us. Not knowing what disaster to plan for can make us ill-prepared for any other life-changing event.

But there is one mistake I bet even seasoned veterans make when preparing for TEOTWAWKI. When stockpiling food, most people go to the store and throw canned veggies, fruit, and meat into a cart without much side thought. Don't get me wrong, canned food is great for stockpiling because of the shelf life and ease of storing. However, the failure to account for the daily calories necessary for survival is a huge factor many overlook.The average person needs around 2000 calories for optimal survival. This number rises if pregnant or with increased workload.

So, let's look at some favorite canned goods and analyze the calories.

Tuna - 50 calories/serving or about 100 calories/can

Green Beans - 20 calories/serving or about 70 calories/can

Peaches - 30 calories/serving or about 100 calories/can

Chicken Breast - 60 calories/serving or about 270 calories/can

Peas - 70 calories/serving or about 240 calories/can

This list is a short example and it shows how much canned food is necessary to maintain a healthy calorie count for survival. I am pretty sure you are going to hate life within the first day if you are eating a can of chicken, peas, 2 cans of peaches, 4 cans of green beans, and 10cans of tuna every day in order to survive. So let's look at some foods that are high in calories and still have a decent shelf life.

Spaghetti - 210 calories/serving not including the tomato sauce

Ramen Noodles - 280 calories/package

Canned Chili - 520 calories/can

Canned Baked Beans - 840 calories/can

Canned Pinto Beans - 385 calories/can

Rice - 200 calories/serving

Peanut Butter - 180 calories/2 TBSP

Some of you will say - "But I have one of those dehydrated food kits that include 1500 calories worth of meals every day." To that I say, good job but how often do you eat dehydrated or freeze-dried food in your daily diet? Some families have experimented with these food kits that are purchased online by attempting to survive for a week on the supplies. Fortunately for them, they experimented with these purchases before actually needing them because the result was medical emergencies from diarrhea and other digestive issues. If this would have been a real disaster event, the entire family would have died because their body was not accustomed to these type of foods. I believe dehydrated and freeze-dried food kits are good to have in any prepping plan, but allow your body time to adjust to these foods before you actually need them.

Stay always prepared!

Photo from http://nolanoles.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/1258575501-canned-food.jpg

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

The doomsday clock will be left standing at 5 minutes until midnight, symbolizing the destruction of humans in the year 2013. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists believe the end is near because of ongoing climate change, nuclear arsenals around the world, and the increase of extreme weather.

The doomsday clock is more of a warning than a prophecy, because the minute hand can be moved away from midnight if the world makes attempts to change the current direction we are headed in. However, with corporations owning every big government in the world, a change is far out of sight.

We must take this warning as proof that our survival lies only in our hands. Corporations and government do not care about your safety unless there is a profit to be made.The world will most likely not end in 2013, but you need to prepare as if it will. Superstorms have become the new threat to our daily lives, so being prepared for an long-term disruption in electric, heat, water, and food is essential to your families survival.

Stay always prepared!

Image from http://news.yahoo.com/photos/end-near-doomsday-clock-holds-5-til-midnight-photo-232147655.html

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Despite the rise of credit card use, cold hard cash still serves a purpose in this economy. During most disasters including financial collapse, American currency will maintain some value for a short time. Imagine if the power grid in your area suddenly fails. Your banks, grocery stores, ATMs, and gas stations all rely on electricity to facilitate the transfer of electronic funds. No power means no goods for you or others unless you have cash. Having a stash of emergency money gives you the ability to purchase goods without relying on the electrical grid.

Even in a disaster situation like an EMP, you may have one or two days where you can walk into a grocery store with cash and buy what you want, mostly because no one will know what is going on yet. Of course, this is assuming the stores stay open. The sooner you can arrive at a location you improve your chances of being able to shop. Small businesses and corner shops may keep their doors open for a couple of days, but big stores like Walmart will most likely be locked up after one day.

How much you set aside is your decision. I like the idea of having enough to double my food and water supplies immediately if something happens. Of course I only recommend this to those who already have a nice stockpile of food and water. Going out after a disaster may be extremely dangerous and risky, so do not rely on this as your only post-disaster plan. You may return home empty-handed and then be without anything.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Before I describe what to look for when scouting land, please understand that a retreat isn't just for rich people. Do not rule out looking for your own retreat land. Raw hunting land is typically very affordable, especially if a few families pitch in financially. With that said, here are some pointers to follow when choosing land for your prepping plans:

Look for land that is far away (100+ miles if possible) from major cities. It is a natural decision for humans to flee to the mountains for refuge
from a disaster situation because it is believed that food is
plentiful. As you get farther away from the cities, there is less of a chance of encountering violent gangs looking to steal your supplies or hungry families seeking hand-outs.

However, make an attempt to purchase land that is within 1 tank of gas away. Depending on your vehicle, that can be 300-400 miles away from your primary residence. Depending on the emergency, driving to your retreat may be impossible. Not to mention the longer it takes for you to arrive at your retreat, the increased chance someone has found it and claimed it as theirs. Are you prepared to fight for your retreat?

Make sure this land has a fresh water source (spring or creek). If there is no water source on the property, is there one within walking distance, and will the land owner permit you using their water? I would stay away from riverfront property if possible because you risk being found by refugees using the river as a guide.

Land with natural choke points make better choices because they can be easier to defend. Flat land with 360 degree access is impossible to defend. Rocky terrain is much easier to defend.

However, not too rocky! Remember, you need land for gardens and possibly livestock if you choose that route. Gardens don't do too well in rocky soil.

Typically, the larger your property the better. If you can buy land next to a National Forest, even better. This land can be used for additional resources post-SHTF. 1-2 acres for each family should be considered the minimum parcel size.

Monday, January 7, 2013

After oxygen and shelter, clean drinking water is the next essential component to our survival. FEMA recommends each household have at least 3 gallons of water stored for each resident. This is roughly a 3 day supply of clean water. I prefer to be extra prepared and have a few extra weeks beyond those first 3 days. Here is how I store my water:

My water storing supplies

Used soda and juice containers are perfect for storing emergency water. The steps I follow are:

After the original beverage is empty I wash the container and lid very well with some dish liquid soap. Rinsing is extremely important because you do not want any soap residue giving you diarrhea in an emergency situation.

After the containers are washed, I add a few drops of bleach (5%) to each container. Next, I fill each container 1/3 full with water and tightly screw the cap back on. I shake each bottle making sure the bleach solution touches all parts of the container. This allows my containers to get all sparkly clean and germ-free. I allow the solutions to sit in the bottles for at least a half an hour, then empty and rinse.

I like my containers to air-dry for a day or two and then they are ready to be filled with tap water. NOTE: Because my city supplied water is already treated, I do not add any bleach to my stored water. Your situation may be different than mine so you may need to add a few drops of bleach to each container. Typically, if you are filling a 2-liter bottle, 5 drops of 5% bleach solution is enough.

My containers of water are stored in trash-bag lined milk carton type containers. The trash bag protects everything from water damage if a bottle fails and leaks water.

I attempt to rotate my bottles every 6-12 months and re-sanitize everything before refilling with fresh water.

Storing clean water is essential to your survival post-catastrophe. If you do not have at least 3 gallons of water stored for each member of your family, this is the moment to get off of your butt.

Don't forget water filters just in case the help takes longer than expected. Water filters can be a game changer for those who do not store enough water or do not have the room for storage. The Katadyn filter and Lifestraw are highly recommended by all.

Friday, January 4, 2013

If you are like me, it is difficult to throw away those big plastic coffee cans. They look so darn useful, that it would be a waste to pitch them. Thankfully, I have found a use that makes my prepping a little more efficient and cost effective.

Oatmeal packets have become one of my food storage staples because they are tasty and cheap. The shelf life is typically around a year and a half after purchase which is long enough for me because I rotate constantly. However, I know that by limiting the oxygen and keeping the temperature constant I can extend the shelf life substantially. Scientists at Brigham Young University found stored 28 year old oats which were still perfectly edible. The story can be found here. I
do not believe my storage idea will guarantee edible oats in 28 years,
but I do believe they will be edible far longer than a year and a half
from now.

I limit the oxygen by removing the individual packets from the box and placing them in a gallon storage bag. Including an oxygen absorber or using a food sealer is even better for long term storage purposes. I then place the bag in the coffee can which will limit the light and also limit the oxygen even more with the 'Flavor Seal' lid.

Obviously, your coffee cans can be used to store any food item you would like. I chose to store my oatmeal because the packets fit nicely into the containers. What do you do with your coffee containers?

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

How's that 9-5 job working out for you? Remember when we were young and wanted everything at the store? As we became teenagers, a job became the solution to this desire because our parents surely didn't buy it all for us. Years later, we are still stuck in the same cycle. We work every week in order to maintain our lifestyle as consumers. For many, the word 'maintain' is being nice. A couple of large purchases is enough to put the average American into serious debt for 10+ years.

As I mentioned in my last post, the key to self-reliance is owing as little debt as possible to creditors. Unfortunately, our jobs don't supply us with enough income to dig out of this hole or else we wouldn't be here. So what options do you have?

Think about small business ideas. A simple Google search will open your eyes to many potential weekend warrior businesses. Such as:

Yard Work

House Cleaning

Carpentry Work

PC Repair

Pet Sitter, etc.

It is easier than you think to earn an extra $100/weekend or $400/month. Imagine the debt you could pay down with that extra cash flow. There are many hobbies that will earn you some money and at the same time further prepare your family. Not only will these hobbies supply your family with income today, they will also supply your family with future bartering goods post-disaster. Hobbies such as:

Bee Keeping

Organic Vegetable Gardening

Goat Milk and Meat

Chicken Eggs and Meat

Rabbit Meat and Fur

Let's not forget Ebay as an immediate source of income. If you need some capital to start your weekend business, Ebay is the way to get there debt-free. Get rid of all of that stuff that has put you in this hole and make a few bucks in the process.